REMEMBERING WHAT MAKES STRONG

The TRANSFIGURATION---what a showcase! Jesus was at the center stage of everything – resplendent, glorious and pure. Then appeared as supporting actors Moses and Elijah – long dead, but transported back to life to give witness to the greatness of Jesus. Moses was Israel’s lawgiver, but here is the fulfillment of the law. Elijah was Israel’s greatest prophet, but here is the perfection of prophecies. On top of it all, a booming voice came from heaven, and an encompassing cloud – the Father and the Holy Spirit.

Why is this event so dramatic, so star-studded and so magnificent? Simple, so that it will not be easily forgotten. When the disciples begin to feel the absence of Jesus, and the pain of persecution from their neighbors, they will only need to return to the memory of this day and be strong again and be ready again to confront the future. Isn’t it true that in our lives, there are moments that cannot be compared with any other? These are the times that are full of joy, full of peace and full of celebrations. And we treasure these moments, reliving them when we enter into the experience of being sad and lost.

As a priest, I gazed at one time on the picture of my ordination day, when my bishop laid hands on my head, making me a servant of Jesus Christ. It was enough to assure me of God’s love and push me on to bear the hardship of the ministry. The apostles did not have pictures and albums but what they witnessed was forever etched in their hearts and minds. Today the Lord wants us to remember the good things that happened to us, the wonderful things that flowed from his gracious hands. We live in trying times and what great temptation there is to focus on the bad, the misfortune and the evil around us. When we do so, the more we are plunged into despair and lack of meaning.

LENT is a time to remember the Lord and his goodness. We remember his pain that saved us. We remember his resurrection that is our inheritance as well. We remember his forgiveness so we can confidently come to confession. We remember only the good, because it gives us hope to transform our lives into what it should be. Let us thank the Lord for Transfiguration and the many transfiguration experiences we have had in life. We need them to follow faith fully in the footsteps of Jesus.

#31 A JOKE FROM ST. JOE: A man leisurely walking in the park looked so happy and gay. He met his friend, Rod. “Why do you look so happy today?” asked Rod. The man answered, “I borrowed money from my neighbor to change my face by plastic surgery. My friend-neighbor does not recognize me anymore.”

This fourth Sunday of February is a scrutiny or Penitential Act for the candidates in the RCIA. On March 2nd is World Day of Prayer and the First Friday of the month. The 3rd is the First Saturday, we have our devotional Mass for our adorers and to Our Lady of Fatima. It is also our anniversary month for the Perpetual Adoration Ministry. Please join us in this occasion and in our rosary devotion. This is all for now, watch for the next bulletin. God Bless!

Your Priest-Servant and Parochial Administrator,

Fr. Reggie